Attacked by seagulls in Cascais Portugal

[Harryw]

I visited friends in Cascais Portugal last week and wanted to fly from their Terrasse down to the ocean. After just a few minutes in the air a lot of seagulls turned up and clearly showed that they were not positive to this newcomer intruding in their airspace. I later talked to another Mavic pilot who had the same experience and his solution was to descend the Mavic as a gesture of defeat.
Anyway nothing happens but I got hesitant flying out over the ocean.

 

[Arnold]

I had a similar situation in Brighton Beach, UK last year. The were tons of seagulls on the beach. The seagulls would approach the drone, but I soon noticed that they were more curious than aggressive. They would fly up really close to the drone and once they got a good look at it they turned away. You may want to test that out....

 

[Harryw]

Thanks Arnold, I will try next time in Portugal. I am doing a lot of flying in the south of Sweden by the ocean but never had any “curious” seagulls visiting.[emoji3]

 

[Arnold]

Thanks Arnold, I will try next time in Portugal. I am doing a lot of flying in the south of Sweden by the ocean but never had any “curious” seagulls visiting.[emoji3]

And just in case you don't already know. I have quite a few aggressive birds in my area like hawks and crows. If you ever find yourself in a situation, put the drone in sport mode and go UP as fast as you can, and then away from the danger. The birds can't ascend as fast as the mavic can.

 

[Aspect]

And just in case you don't already know. I have quite a few aggressive birds in my area like hawks and crows. If you ever find yourself in a situation, put the drone in sport mode and go UP as fast as you can, and then away from the danger. The birds can't ascend as fast as the mavic can.

I was on a pier in San Francisco to test out my new Mavic. A few minutes into the flight, a swarm of seagulls started to circle above with a few trying to get close. There was a Phantom pilot setting up and as we both noticed what was happening, he said you better bring it back - they're going to attack. I was about 100ft high when one seagull was coming in, so I dropped to about 20ft above water immediately and that kept them from taking passes at it. A few minutes after landing, the swarm dissipated.

I'm wary of seagulls now and will use your tip if I find myself in that situation again.